NBA DraftKings & FanDuel DFS Primer: Saturday (3/2)

Happy March! Did everyone survive DraftKings’ “no late swap” night yesterday? I’m not a fan, myself, as that late swapping edge is often the key to winning. It did present fun new challenges, but I’m glad to get back to the “normal” grind tonight, even if it’s only a three-game slate.

Let’s check out the best plays!

View the best player prop bets for tonight’s slate with our NBA Prop Bet Cheat Sheet

NBA DraftKings & FanDuel DFS Primer

TOP PLAY

Nikola Jokic (C – DEN) | $11,400 DK/$12,300 FD

It’s incredible to remember that Nikola Jokic was once the 60th pick in an NBA draft. “Joker” is fresh off averaging a triple-double in the month of February and continues to be the engine that drives the Nuggets. Jamal Murray is looking very iffy for tonight, and Jokic has a 4.4% usage boost and a 5.2% assist rate boost since the beginning of 2023 in that scenario. It’s also a pace-up game, as the Nuggets rank 27th and the Lakers fifth. You could argue that Jokic is underpriced for this affair.

CASH PICKS

Anfernee Simons (G – POR) | $7,700 DK/$7,700 FD

Anfernee Simons was a chalk bust last night in this same matchup, but that was largely because of the blowout, as Simons was limited to just 24 minutes. As the rematch turns over to Memphis, it’s possible we will see the game stay closer and Simons get a full complement of minutes. Both of these offenses are terrible, but Simons still has an elite role for his team as far as touch time goes.

Vince Williams (F – MEM) | $6,600 DK/$6,900 FD

In a similar situation, Vince Williams was held to 29 minutes and 20 DK points in the blowout loss last night. He remains a solid cash play, as his minutes are generally in the mid-30s, and he’s running the offense, leading the team in assist rate and touch time since the All-Star Game. Jaren Jackson Jr. and his 36% second-half usage rate missed last night, so if he’s out again, there’s more ceiling to Williams’ game.

VALUE PLAYS

Jordan Goodwin (G – MEM) | $5,200 DK/$5,800 FD

Jordan Goodwin was the highest-rostered player last night, and one would think that will be the case again this evening. He’s now the starting PG for Memphis and has surpassed 30 minutes in the last two games. It’s even more noteworthy that he still got 34 minutes in last night’s blowout. Portland ranks 20th in defensive efficiency, and Goodwin’s price just hasn’t risen enough to scare you off of him.

Trey Jemison (C – MEM) | $4300 DK/$4500 FD

Unlike Williams and Goodwin, who will hold value regardless, Trey Jemison will need Jackson Jr. to sit again to be considered a strong play. He started yesterday and got 30 minutes despite the blowout, which is nice for his price tag. He struggled with usage inconsistency and foul trouble throughout the game but should hold a strong role again if “JJJ” remains out. If you want Jokic, plays like this will be necessary regardless of rostership.